Manaslu Circuit Via Larkya La Pass Trek 12 Days

Breakfast Kathmandu Hotel

Welcome to Nepal! Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM), our representative and trekking guide will meet you outside the terminal and arrange your private transfer to your hotel.

After checking in, you will have a few hours to relax, refresh, and recover from your journey. Later in the day, your guide will conduct a comprehensive pre-trip briefing in the hotel to go over your daily itinerary, review required equipment, and ensure your trekking gear is complete before starting the adventure along the Annapurna Circuit.

9/10 hours B/L/D Lapbesi hotel

An early morning start at around 6:30 AM sets us on our scenic journey from Kathmandu to Machha Khola via Dhading, Gorkha, and Arughat Bazaar. This 7 to 8-hour drive offers picturesque views of central Nepal's lush terraced hills, rushing mountain rivers, and traditional rural settlements.

As the road windingly follows the banks of the rushing Budhi Gandaki River, you will pass charming local villages like Lapbesi, famous for its dramatic terraced fields clinging to the hillsides. Continuing further along the river valley road, we arrive at the small settlement of Machha Khola, where we check into a local lodge for a restful overnight stay before beginning our trek.

7/8 hours B/L/D Jagat Guesthouse

Our trekking adventure officially begins as we cross the Machha Khola ("Fish Stream") and follow the trail upstream toward the quiet village of Khola Bensi. Pushing forward, we reach the natural geothermal hot springs at Tatopani, where you can pause briefly to watch the warm water spout from the rocks.

As we advance, the valley walls steepen into dramatic cliffs, forcing the route across to the left bank via a swaying suspension bridge. The trail here becomes slightly exposed and rugged, rewarding your efforts with dramatic gorge views. After a pleasant stretch under a canopy of forest, we reach Doban, a tranquil stopping point along the river.

Above Doban, the Budhi Gandaki River churns through a series of impressive, roaring rapids before widening out across a placid, gravel riverbed. At Lauri, we re-cross the river on another suspension bridge and take a final steady climb along a high cliffside path leading to the paved stone streets and terraced fields of Jagat, a stone-flagged village where we check into our lodge for the night.

7/8 hours B/L/D Dyang Guesthouse

After enjoying a hot breakfast in Jagat, we set off on a dynamic trail characterized by undulating ups and downs. The path steadily climbs through lush green hillsides, opening up to serene natural settings and sweeping river views.

As we descend toward the riverbank and make a rewarding ascend to Saguleri, you will be treated to your first stunning, distant views of Sringi Himal (7,187m) looming above the horizon. Continuing along the Budhi Gandaki, we cross the Gata Khola via a suspension bridge, where views of the magnificent Ganesh Himal range come into focus.

From here, the trail leads up to Philim, a large and vibrant Gurung village flanked by terraced fields of corn and millet. After soaking in the local culture, we push onward through dramatic gorge sections and bamboo groves, crossing the river a few more times before ascending a final steep spur to reach the traditional settlement of Deng for our overnight lodge stay.

7/ 8 hours) B/L/D Namrung Guesthouse

Leaving Deng behind, we enter the upper reaches of the Budhi Gandaki Valley, where the landscape begins its dramatic transition into the alpine zone. The trail winds past beautifully carved mani walls (sacred Buddhist stone tablets inscribed with prayers), signaling our entry into region’s Tibetan-influenced culture.

Along the way, we cross the roaring Budhi Gandaki River on swaying suspension bridges and climb through lush forests of rhododendron, oak, and pine. As we emerge above the tree line, open alpine meadows and sprawling high-altitude pastures come into view, framed by towering Himalayan peaks.

After a final, steady ascent past the picturesque village of Prok—with its sweeping views of Sringi Himal and traditional stone houses—we reach Namrung. Famous for its stone gate (Kani) and magnificent views of Ganesh Himal, Giri Himal, and Mt. Manaslu, Namrung is a welcoming mountain village where we check into our teahouse for the night.

7/8) hours B/L/D Shyala Guesthouse

Departing Namrung, the trail ascends steadily into the upper Nubri Valley, passing through the authentic Tibetan-influenced stone villages of Lihi and Lho. Along the route, you will observe locals engaging in traditional mountain life against a backdrop of ancient chortens, prayer flags, and dense pine forests.

As we emerge into the open clearing of Shyala (3,500m), you are rewarded with unhindered, panoramic views of Mt. Manaslu (8,163m), Himalchuli (7,893m), and Peak 29. From Shyala, we take a memorable side detour up toward the secluded Pungyen Monastery, nestled in a quiet glacial amphitheater right beneath the colossal eastern face of Manaslu. Resting near the ancient monastery offers a profound sense of spiritual serenity alongside dramatic views of surrounding glaciers and occasional sightings of Himalayan wildlife, such as blue sheep (Bharal).

After taking in the spiritual energy of Pungyen, we rejoin the main path across alpine pastures and yak grazing grounds to reach Samagaun (3,530m)—the cultural heart of the Manaslu region—where we settle into our lodge for an overnight stay.

4/5 hrs B/L/D Samagaun Guesthouse

Today is a dedicated rest and acclimatization day, designed to help your body adapt smoothly to the higher elevations before we prepare for the crossing of Larkya La Pass.

To active-acclimatize, we set out on an rewarding day hike to Manaslu Base Camp (4,800m). Located directly at the foot of the world's eighth-highest mountain, the trail leads up dramatic glacial moraines and rocky ridges, providing intimate, front-row views of Mt. Manaslu's immense icefalls and surrounding peaks. Pushing higher during the day and returning to lower elevations to sleep follows the proven "climb high, sleep low" principle, ensuring you feel strong and confident for the journey ahead.

For those preferring a gentler outing, a shorter walk leads to the stunning turquoise waters of Birendra Lake (3,450m), a glacial lake sitting right beneath the Manaslu glacier. In the afternoon, explore the rich cultural heritage of Samagaun by visiting ancient local monasteries, prayer walls, and traditional stone homes. We return to our lodge in Samagaun for a second night's rest.

4/5 hours B/L/D Manaslu Base Camp guest house

Today’s trek is intentionally shorter, allowing your body to acclimatize to increasing elevations as we approach the 4,000-meter mark. Leaving Samagaun, we follow the gentle currents of the Budhi Gandaki River through a wide, dramatic valley. As we gain altitude, lush greenery gives way to a rugged, dry landscape lined with birch and juniper bushes.

Along the trail, we pass high alpine yak pastures and temporary summer huts used by local mountain herders. Magnificent panoramas of Mt. Manaslu, Samdo Peak (6,335m), and Simnang Himal accompany us throughout the walk. After crossing a wooden bridge over the river and making a steady final ascent, we arrive at Samdo.

Nestled near the border of Tibet (China), Samdo is a authentic, high-altitude Tibetan refugee village. The settlement offers a rare window into age-old Tibetan Buddhist traditions, stone architecture, and the resilient lifestyle of trans-Himalayan communities. Upon arrival, we check into our lodge and spend the afternoon resting or taking a short walk to a nearby viewpoint for further acclimatization.

4/5 hours B/L/D Larkya La Phedi Guesthouse

Today brings the most challenging and triumphant highlight of the entire trek. Setting out pre-dawn around 3:30 to 4:00 AM, we head up the moraine of the Larkya Glacier into the crisp, cold night air. The climb up to Larkya La Pass (5,106m) is gradual but physically demanding due to the high elevation, freezing wind, and rocky mountain terrain.

Reaching the summit flag-draped pass yields an unforgettable reward: a vast, 360-degree high-altitude panorama showing Himlung Himal (7,126m), Cheo Himal (6,820m), Kang Guru (6,981m), Gyaji Kang, and the massive wall of Annapurna II (7,937m).

After celebrating at the top and snapping photos, we begin a long, careful descent across snowfields and loose glacial moraine trails down the western slopes. As we descend over 1,300 meters, the harsh, frozen landscape softens into alpine meadows and rhododendron groves, leading us into the serene, picture-perfect valley of Bimthang (3,720m) for a well-earned rest at our lodge.

3 hrs B/L/D Besisahar hotel

Following the grueling effort of Larkya La Pass, today’s journey feels delightfully relaxed as we drop into warmer elevations and lush greenery. Leaving Bimthang, the trail descends smoothly into dense, primeval forests of rhododendron, pine, and oak, tracing the white-water currents of the rushing Dudh Khola River.

Looking back over your shoulder offers breathtaking, alternative vantage points of Mt. Manaslu, Phungi Himal, and the towering circus of peaks behind you. Along the trail, we pass secluded alpine pastures, seasonal herder settlements, and the small village of Gho (2,560m), where mountain life takes on a tranquil pace.

Continuing further down through terraced fields and bamboo thickets, we cross the river over a wooden suspension bridge to reach Tilije (2,300m). Home to a vibrant mix of Gurung and Tibetan communities, this peaceful village features traditional stone houses, narrow alleyways, and cozy teahouses where we spend the night enjoying the gentle climate

7/8 hours B/L/D Beshishar Hotel

On our final day on foot, we take a short, peaceful morning walk descending through lush terraced farmlands and forested hillsides. Leaving Tilije, we cross the roaring Marsyangdi River via a sturdy suspension bridge to enter Dharapani (1,860m), a bustling village where the Manaslu Circuit officially intersects with the classic Annapurna Circuit route.

Here, we finalize our trekking permits at the local ACAP check-point, bid farewell to our local porter team, and board a private 4WD jeep for the scenic drive along the dramatic Marsyangdi River valley.

The road winds down through deep gorges, rushing waterfalls, and terraced mountain settlements like Tal and Syange. As we leave the high hills behind, the climate warms and the landscape opens into vibrant rural valleys before arriving at Besisahar (760m), the administrative hub of the Lamjung District, where we check into our hotel for a comfortable overnight stay and celebratory dinner.

B

After breakfast at your hotel in Besisahar, we board our vehicle for the final overland journey back to Kathmandu. The scenic drive follows the winding Prithvi Highway, tracing the banks of the roaring Marsyangdi and Trishuli Rivers.

This return drive offers a final, breathtaking look at Nepal’s diverse rural landscapes—from emerald hills, dramatic river gorges, and terraced farmlands to bustling roadside towns like Dumre and Mugling. As we ascend the rim of the Kathmandu Valley, the quiet serenity of the mountains gives way to the lively energy of the capital city.

Upon arriving in Kathmandu, you will be transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is yours to unwind, indulge in a hot shower, pamper yourself with a relaxing massage, or pick up souvenir handicrafts in Thamel. In the evening, Global Treks Nepal hosts a farewell dinner to celebrate your successful completion of the magnificent Manaslu Circuit Trek!